Great (no, make that Awesome) Britain

One of the most common questions I come across when meeting new people, particularly British people is "Why would you leave Australia to live here?!". Loads of reasons, take a seat...

The Royal Family – There’s something magical about living in a country with a royal family. I work opposite Buckingham Palace Gardens and I must admit I sometimes have a moment… “Her Maj could be just on the other side of this wall!” With a wedding, diamond jubilee and now royal baby on the way, popularity has shot through the roof over the last couple of years. Also, I wonder what they think of the parody @Queen_UK and @Charles_HRH on Twitter. I personally think they’re hilarious!

Tea – In Australia, tea was never really on my radar. I’d have maybe 1 a week at best. My, how the tables have turned! In England you drink tea. You just do. There's even a tea council which promotes brewing the perfect cup. Great Britain consumes 165 million cups of tea per day. That’s an average of 2.6 cups per person. I consume less than average (about 2 per day) but when a tea craving hits me, it's a really hard one to shake. Lucky a cup is never too far away. 

The Countryside – Last year I took a road trip with my parents up north through the Cotswolds and Lake District. Yes, it rains a lot in the UK, but look at what you end up with! The only way I can describe it, and the line I often resort to when one of my senses are overwhelmed is that it quite simply made my eyes happy. Stunning rolling hills, beautifully tendered gardens and quaint villages with friendly locals.

Travel – London is the perfect base for European travel. And one of the major reasons for my relocation. I can go overseas for the weekend! In 18 months I have visited 14 European countries! Germany is my favourite for a number of reasons but I think my trip up to the top of Norway will be pretty hard to beat. I will be honest, I have hit a bit of a wall on the travel front in terms of exploring on my own. There are a few adventures planned for 2013 although they are based more on the company more than the place.

Comedy – There’s quite a significant difference between British and American humour. I am definitely more of a fan of British comedy. They’re a bloody funny race. Often sarcastic and delivered with a deadpan tone which seems to lack emotion. No subject is taboo when it comes to cracking a joke, although in general conversation, political correctness is vital. On TV, we can go back through the decades and consistently find hits from Fawlty Towers through to The Vicar of Dibley and Gavin & Stacey. And the comedy panel show market is surely flooded by now. There seems to be a new one every week! I quite enjoy QI, 8 out of 10 cats, Would I lie to you? and Room 101; while there is also no shortage of new fictional comedies such as Miranda, The Inbetweeners and Derek.  

  

Theatre – I have already posted a West End review so I won't go into detail, but I have loved theatre since a young age and I love that in London especially it’s a thriving industry with very high standards. There are new shows coming all the time and you can often get a ticket to see a good show live for the same price as a cinema ticket.

Football – Anyone that knows me, not even that well, probably knows I'm a football fan. I'm talking about real football, as in soccer. Games sell out, not only at the top of the Premier League, but also in the numerous divisions below. You don't see this in any code in Australia. One thing I have slightly struggled with is that culturally it’s predominantly a guy’s thing. I have actually not met a British girl who follows a team. Not going to let that stop me though. 

Music – Britain has always been a good producer of music. Quality artists have continued to come out of the UK since the days of Paul McCartney and crew. I can’t deny it, One Direction does make my ears a little happy. And music talent shows are hard to resist as well. I've always seemed to have musical dementia though. Putting artists’ names to song titles is basically impossible for me, and I'm well known for discovering a band 2 years after everyone else #coldplay. I'm definitely getting better at this and my iTunes library has seen a huge increase in British content since arriving in the UK. If I had to name a top 3 they’d be Ed Sheeran, Paloma Faith and Coldplay.  

Winter accessories – I have always been a summer girl and I am often hit with the appropriately named SAD (seasonal affective disorder). This winter (well it's officially Spring now) I couldn't be more ready for the cold weather to pass. In fact, the last few weeks I feel like a dementor has been following me around. But at least I have a huge selection of colourful, inexpensive and stylish hats, gloves, scarves and ear muffs to keep me warm. I should have bought shares in Accessorize, which is my 2nd favourite store ever (after Bath & Body Works in the US).

Transport – If you’re British, your jaw may be on the floor at this point. But sometimes you don’t realise how good or bad you have it until you experience an alternative. I'm going to be in for a big shock when I am eventually back in Sydney, because at the moment I find it most inconvenient when I have to wait 5 minutes for the next tube - “FIVE MINUTES?! Outrageous!” The bus and tube networks are so extensive, getting anywhere is really not too much of a hassle. Of course until the weekend rolls around when track work can basically cancel your plans. 

NHS - Again, probably going to come as a shock to Brits, but you do have it pretty good. It doesn't cost anything to go to the doctor, have tests and even an operation! I must admit there is a lot of room for improvement on the administration front but the care I have received has been amazing which I'm really grateful for as I have spent a lot of time with doctors and nurses over this last year.

As I've always said, I write my blog as a bit of a creative and mental outlet. I'm not too concerned with readership figures. This time, it's been good for me to sit back and appreciate my life and the many positive things about my adventures and love affair with this country. So, well done Britain, on being Great! No, make that Awesome!